Jim Greenberg

Class of 2015

Jim was born April 8, 1964, to Renee and Arthur, who is a 2005 Candy Hall of Fame Inductee. He was joined by brother John three years later.

After graduating from The Taft School, in Watertown, CT, in 1982, he went on to attend Connecticut College, in New London, CT, where he majored in Government and Political Science with a minor in Sociology.

With a family history in the industry stretching back to 1912, Jim began his 29-year career with Union Confectionery Machinery Co., a division of National Equipment Corp., in 1986 as sales manager. Noting it was his “first and only” job in the industry, he has served as vice-president of the equipment supplier and currently holds the positions of co-president, officer and director.

In 1989, he married Lisa at the Reform Synagogue of Greenwich in Greenwich, CT. Together they have two sons, Michael and Sam.

Jim says carrying on his family’s legacy in the industry and helping businesses grow were the main drivers for joining Union. In addition, travel was a deciding factor, he says, noting he has visited more than 30 countries and 5,000 candy facilities during his career.

He has been actively involved with the National Confectioners Association since 1986, having served on the trade group’s supplier advisory committee and on its Sweets & Snacks Expo committee. In addition, Jim has been active in the American Association of Candy Technologists and Pennsylvania Manufacturing Confectioners Association, where he has instructed courses on panning. He has also been involved with Retail Confectioners International since 1986, serving six terms on its supplier advisory board.

Other industry involvement includes sitting on the Kettle Award committee and holding the positions of secretary, vice-chair and chair for the program. He has also been a member of the Confectionery Education Advisory Board since 2012, and was active in the Candy Executives Club of New York and the Fine Chocolate Industry of America.

“The industry has been my life, and my involvement with confectionery business owners worldwide has been greatly rewarding both professionally and personally,” he says.

Away from business, Jim is an active member of his synagogue, serving on its executive committee as treasurer, organizing its Men’s Club and being involved with fundraising, social action and charitable work. In his free time, he enjoys fitness, walking, hiking and golf.